Frank Bidwell Worthington

Frank B. Worthington Jr. of Englewood, FL died peacefully at his home after a brief illness on September 10, 2013, surrounded by his loving family. He was 90 years old. Mr. Worthington was born on April 20, 1923, in Springfield, MA, the eldest son of Frank B. Sr. and Alice (Horan) Worthington. He attended Springfield public schools and was graduated from the Technical High School in 1941. Frank played baseball for the Tech Tigers city championship team of 1941 and was chosen as pitcher for the Springfield Republican All-City Baseball Team. Mr. Worthington served with the U.S. Marine Corps in Hawaii during WW II as a machinist's mate and infantryman. After his honorable discharge from the service he was married to his wife, Helen, at St Peter's Church in Yonkers, NY. While supporting his family of three children he worked for 37 years in the Engineering Department of the Chapman Valve Manufacturing Co, Indian Orchard, MA. Frank and Helen retired to Englewood in 1986. Frank was a passionate golfer who enjoyed competition and played in many events as a member of the Southwest Florida Tournament Players Association. He was a convert to the Roman Catholic faith, receiving the sacrament of Baptism at the Saint Raphael's Church Easter Vigil service in 1995. For the remainder of his life his was a regular communicant at Saint Raphael's. He leaves Helen, his devoted wife of 66 years. Other survivors include his daughter, Kathleen Shorette of Englewood; son, Frank B. Worthington III, of Tucson, AZ; sister, Mildred, and her husband Frank Mazzie, of Agawam, MA; and four grandchildren: Thomas and Brett Shorette, of Western MA; Miranda and Moss Worthington, of Tucson, AZ; and one granddaughter, and Emma Shorette, of Palmer, MA. He was predeceased by his son, Thomas J. Worthington, and a brother, William J. Worthington. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, September 17, at 10 AM, at St. Raphael's Church. Mr. Worthington's urn will be placed in the Wall of Honor at Sarasota National V.A. Cemetery at 3:00 PM, with full Marine Corps Honors. The family wishes to thank Tidewell Hospice for their care and support and request in lieu of flowers contributions be made to Tidewell Hospital, Inc. 5955 Rand Blvd. Sarasota, FL 34238.